Given the current tragic state of our health care system and a majority of Americans who are uninsured or extremely under-insured, held ransom when they’re ill with co-pays and red tape which was chronicled in Michael Moore’s brilliant documentary, Sicko, initially it seemed there was a lot to like about Waltzing Anna just for the premise alone. And while it will definitely strike a chord on that level, unfortunately, the film wanders into ridiculous and predictable territory as the excruciatingly miscast Capelli (whose hair resembles Chris Farley’s after a freak-out in Tommy Boy) rudely scoffs at the idea of changing diapers or working with the overly eccentric and never believable residents of Shady Pines. 
Of course, it turns out Shady Pines is just as Shady as its name implies when Capelli finds himself striking an amoral alliance with its administrator—a former used-car salesman who plies the same sleazy techniques to his new trade in trying to rake in as much dough as possible. However, staying true to his friend’s announcement over the credits that he needed to heal himself, our selfish doc is surprised to find himself growing a conscience when he becomes emotionally invested in the lives of two patients (wonderfully played by Betsy Palmer and Pat Hingle) and develops an increasing attraction to Shady’s saintly and sole saving grace in the form of the beautiful young Nurse Jill (You Don’t Mess With the Zohan’s Emmanuelle Chriqui).
About as surprising as a Hallmark card and as subtle as a brick through a window, Waltzing Anna begs you to love it and I kept hoping something in the film would sweep me up in its worthwhile tale which is extremely timely given the state of our nation. Yet, much to my dismay aside from a great supporting cast who are included in interviews on the DVD and the charms of Chriqui (whose chemistry with Capelli is even worse than the one she’d shared with Sandler’s Zohan), mostly you wish that the filmmakers had turned this into a much shorter cinematic call to action they could send to senators in place of petitions and letters. Instead—and while far more high quality than a refrigerator drawing-- ultimately Anna simply preaches to the choir of those who not only agree and are completely on their side (like this reviewer) but wholeheartedly wish they would’ve put their talents to better use.
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